Dhandoraa Movie Review:
Rating: 3/5
By Newsminute24 | Senior Film Critic
Dhandoraa is a rare Telugu film that confronts caste discrimination head-on an uncomfortable but necessary subject that mainstream cinema often avoids. Directed by debutant Muralikanth, the film features an ensemble cast including Shivaji, Navdeep, Nandu, and Ravi Krishna, and attempts to question deeply entrenched social hierarchies through a personal, emotionally driven narrative.
Story:
The film begins with the death of Shivaji, a powerful man belonging to an upper caste who, ironically, is denied traditional funeral rites by his own community for not conforming to their rigid notions of caste pride. What follows is the emotional and ideological struggle of his family as they confront humiliation, social hypocrisy, and systemic oppression. The narrative explores how caste prejudice extends beyond life into death, and what it takes for the oppressed even within the privileged to challenge this injustice.
Performances:
Despite the presence of several seasoned actors, Nandu clearly emerges as the film’s strongest pillar. Playing multiple shades son, father, brother, and a man torn between inherited privilege and moral conscience he delivers a layered and restrained performance that lingers long after the film ends.
Navdeep’s role initially feels underwritten, almost redundant, but the closure given to his character becomes one of the film’s most impactful moments, adding thematic depth and narrative payoff.
Shivaji, known for his loud and confrontational screen presence, maintains a similar tone here. While the intent behind his character is effective, the emotional depth could have been enhanced with subtler dramatization.
Ravi Krishna, despite playing a pivotal role, suffers from predictable writing, though his performance especially in the interval sequence stands out.
Among the supporting cast, Radhya’s brief role leaves a strong impression through a powerful climactic dialogue. Bindu Madhavi brings emotional weight to her character, though unclear dialogue delivery slightly diminishes the impact. Manika, despite being assigned a demanding role, struggles to shoulder its emotional gravity.
Technical Aspects:
Music composer Mark K. Robin is arguably the film’s unsung hero. His background score elevates key moments effectively, and the “Dhandoraa” title song, written by Kasarla Shyam, captures the soul of the film with stirring intensity.
Cinematographer Venkat R. Shakamuri deserves praise for his lens choices, particularly the use of wide frames that enhance the narrative’s scale despite budgetary limitations. The color grading adds to the film’s grounded realism.
Editor Srujana Adusumilli maintains a smooth flow with seamless scene transitions, though the non-linear screenplay occasionally causes clarity issues.
Muralikanth’s intent is sincere and commendable. The story’s opening carries shock value, immediately setting the tone. However, attempts to insert commercial comedy and songs disrupt the narrative rhythm. While the director succeeds in conveying his message honestly, the climax would have benefitted from stronger visual justification rather than metaphorical closure. The emotional resolution, though intellectually satisfying, lacks complete cinematic catharsis.
Verdict:
Dhandoraa may not be a flawless film, nor a groundbreaking cinematic experience, but it is a responsible and honest attempt at addressing caste based discrimination. It challenges societal conditioning without being preachy and offers a glimpse into how humane and beautiful a caste-free society could be.
Rather than a “great” film, Dhandoraa stands tall as a necessary film one made with conviction, emotional sincerity, and social responsibility.
Final Rating: 3/5
